Dorothy Smith Sewell's Obituary
Dorothy Smith Sewell, 95, of Austell, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. She was born on July 4, 1930, and often joked that the fireworks celebrating her birthday were in her honor—a fitting tribute to a life well lived.
Dorothy’s life was guided by five “F” words: Faith, Family, Friends, Food, and Fun.
A lifelong member of Austell First United Methodist Church, her faith was central to who she was and how she lived. She made sure her children attended Sunday School and church, a task she handled with dedication and grace—even when getting five children dressed and out the door felt like an Olympic event.
Dot was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Henry Lawton Sewell, Jr.; her parents, Frank Cooper Smith, Sr. and Matilda Leonard “Tillie” Smith; sister, Jean Smith Price; and brother, Frank Cooper “Bucky” Smith, Jr.
Dot was a devoted mother and “Ma” to Jennifer “Jenny” Sewell Kloet and her husband, Dale Kloet; Stephen “Steve” Lawton Sewell, Sr. and his wife, Jan Sailors Sewell; Matthew “Matt” Cooper Sewell and his wife, Julie Redwine Sewell; Richard “Rick” Henry Sewell; and Nancy Sewell Martin and her husband Edwin “Eddie” Martin; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. She also leaves many extended family members and family friends whom she loved very much, and who will sadly miss her sweet spirit.
Ma had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her home was always open, the table was always full, and friendships were easily formed. Many in the South Cobb community fondly remember her as “Mama Dot.” She was kind, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in the lives of others.
She loved to laugh and approached life with a lighthearted spirit, never taking herself too seriously. Her beautiful blue eyes carried a sparkle that could brighten any room.
Ma will be deeply missed, but she leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, faith, and generosity. If you knew Dot Sewell, you loved her.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Austell First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM, with Cooper Sewell delivering the eulogy.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Dot’s memory be made to Austell First United Methodist Church at https://austellfirstumc.org/give/, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/
Dot's favorite color was blue to match her sparkling blue eyes. Any who would like to are welcome to wear something blue to the service in her loving memory.
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